Ice can stop any vessel, even an icebreaker, and mariners who are not experienced in ice navigation should learn to respect the latent power of ice in all its forms. However, a serviceable and properly equipped vessel in the hands of a skilled operator can navigate safely in ice-infested waters. The first rule of ice navigation is to maintain freedom of movement, because when a vessel is imprisoned in ice, she can be moved about by the ice. At the time of year when this occurrence happened, ice conditions off les de la Madeleine are difficult and vessels operating in the area must be cautious. Since there are no regulations prescribing design minima for fishing vessels used in fishing or hunting operations in the ice, the only prerequisite for a seal hunting permit is the minimum length requirement. Navigating in ice can be extremely difficult, as mariners must always be on the lookout for new open water passages. Mariners are referred to the Canadian Coast Guard publication Ice Navigation in Canadian Waters (TP 5064). It contains valuable information and lists the services that may be required when navigating in Canadian ice-infested waters. It offers helpful advice to anyone contemplating a voyage during the ice season. Fisheries and Oceans Canada does not issue instructions regarding the operation of a fishing vessel in ice. However, its principal mandate, in cooperation with the Canadian Coast Guard, is to ensure that fishing operations can be carried on safely and in such a manner that crews are not involved in operations that could prove hazardous, irrespective of the conditions. There are no regulations requiring fishing vessels used in seal hunting in ice-infested waters to be designed for operations in adverse weather conditions. Given the economic significance of seal hunting at les de la Madeleine, it is necessary that hunters be able to carry on hunting safely with vessels designed to withstand the adverse sailing conditions encountered during the ice season. Seaworthiness is an important aspect of safety for vessels and crews to avoid instances of negligence with regard to vessel design, maintenance and operation.Analysis Ice can stop any vessel, even an icebreaker, and mariners who are not experienced in ice navigation should learn to respect the latent power of ice in all its forms. However, a serviceable and properly equipped vessel in the hands of a skilled operator can navigate safely in ice-infested waters. The first rule of ice navigation is to maintain freedom of movement, because when a vessel is imprisoned in ice, she can be moved about by the ice. At the time of year when this occurrence happened, ice conditions off les de la Madeleine are difficult and vessels operating in the area must be cautious. Since there are no regulations prescribing design minima for fishing vessels used in fishing or hunting operations in the ice, the only prerequisite for a seal hunting permit is the minimum length requirement. Navigating in ice can be extremely difficult, as mariners must always be on the lookout for new open water passages. Mariners are referred to the Canadian Coast Guard publication Ice Navigation in Canadian Waters (TP 5064). It contains valuable information and lists the services that may be required when navigating in Canadian ice-infested waters. It offers helpful advice to anyone contemplating a voyage during the ice season. Fisheries and Oceans Canada does not issue instructions regarding the operation of a fishing vessel in ice. However, its principal mandate, in cooperation with the Canadian Coast Guard, is to ensure that fishing operations can be carried on safely and in such a manner that crews are not involved in operations that could prove hazardous, irrespective of the conditions. There are no regulations requiring fishing vessels used in seal hunting in ice-infested waters to be designed for operations in adverse weather conditions. Given the economic significance of seal hunting at les de la Madeleine, it is necessary that hunters be able to carry on hunting safely with vessels designed to withstand the adverse sailing conditions encountered during the ice season. Seaworthiness is an important aspect of safety for vessels and crews to avoid instances of negligence with regard to vessel design, maintenance and operation. The GILBERT D. was crushed by ice pressure after taking shelter in an area of open water for the night. The GILBERT D. was not seaworthy for the type of operation on which she was employed. The wooden hull covered with glass fibre reinforced plastic was unable to withstand the ice pressure. With the exception of the maximum length requirement of 20 m, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has no criteria for issuing seal hunting permits to fishing vessels. The inspection certificate (SIC 29) issued to the GILBERTD. by Transport Canada carried only one restriction, namely that fishing voyages be limited to 60 M from the coast. The SIC 29 carried no restriction regarding the use of the GILBERT D. for hunting seals on the ice. Transport Canada Ship Safety appears to tolerate seal hunting with vessels that are not seaworthy for this type of operation. The crew members could do nothing to prevent the sinking of the GILBERTD.. A Canadian Coast Guard helicopter that was overflying the area picked up the eight crew members and transported them safely to land. Seal hunting is considered a fishing operation under the Canada Shipping Act. Fisheries and Oceans Canada issues hunting permits to vessels which are not designed for ice navigation.Findings The GILBERT D. was crushed by ice pressure after taking shelter in an area of open water for the night. The GILBERT D. was not seaworthy for the type of operation on which she was employed. The wooden hull covered with glass fibre reinforced plastic was unable to withstand the ice pressure. With the exception of the maximum length requirement of 20 m, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has no criteria for issuing seal hunting permits to fishing vessels. The inspection certificate (SIC 29) issued to the GILBERTD. by Transport Canada carried only one restriction, namely that fishing voyages be limited to 60 M from the coast. The SIC 29 carried no restriction regarding the use of the GILBERT D. for hunting seals on the ice. Transport Canada Ship Safety appears to tolerate seal hunting with vessels that are not seaworthy for this type of operation. The crew members could do nothing to prevent the sinking of the GILBERTD.. A Canadian Coast Guard helicopter that was overflying the area picked up the eight crew members and transported them safely to land. Seal hunting is considered a fishing operation under the Canada Shipping Act. Fisheries and Oceans Canada issues hunting permits to vessels which are not designed for ice navigation. The loss of the GILBERT D. was the result of extreme ice pressure on the hull; the ice was propelled by a moderate gale while the vessel was sheltering for the night in an area of open water. The vessel was not seaworthy for ice navigation.Causes and Contributing Factors The loss of the GILBERT D. was the result of extreme ice pressure on the hull; the ice was propelled by a moderate gale while the vessel was sheltering for the night in an area of open water. The vessel was not seaworthy for ice navigation.